Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Deputy Commander has commended Moyale Barracks for good service to the nation as well as UN sponsored missions in Africa and some parts of the world.

Lieutenant General John Msonthi lauded the barracks Saturday during its 45th anniversary celebrations held at its base in Mzuzu. He said the 45 years that the barracks is commemorating is a mark of Moyale’s good work.

“Moyale has not only served the country well in special operations such as Operation Bwezani, but also in United Nations sponsored missions in Africa and elsewhere in the world,” he said.

which means “Return All” saw the MDF dismantling former President Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s paramilitary wing, the Malawi Young Pioneers overnight on December 1, 1993.

The operation was sparked by Moyale Barracks after two soldiers were shot dead in Mzuzu by some MYP members from northern region headquarters.

Malawi Defence Force brass band leading the parade.

Many quarters lauded the operation and it is believed to have contributed to the democratisation of Malawi.

On his part, Commanding Officer (CO) for Moyale Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Elvis Mwase said the name Moyale itself symbolises a long history of success.

“We come from a long history of success and that success is still with us today. We come from a history where our 100 soldiers fought and won against 8,000 soldiers from Italy in Moyale (Kenya),” he said. Operation Bwezani

Mwase further explained that Moyale Barracks has achieved a lot over the 45 years.

“We have managed to send troops to countries like Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and, more recently, Ivory Coast.

“In sports, we have managed to win many trophies as Moyale Barracks Football team and other teams from different sporting disciplines,” he said.

The event started with a military parade from Mzuzu Prison to Mzuzu Post Office, where the initial function took place, and later to the barracks parade ground.

Other activities included acrobatics, traditional dances and honouring of current as well as former officers who made great contributions to the barracks in the past 45 years.

The celebrations reached climax with a tug of war between MDF and Malawi Police Services (MPS). In both male and female contests, MDF teams prevailed over their MPS counterparts.

Moyale Barracks was established on 6 December, 1967 as a garrison and later turned into a full barracks after realising the need to have an army point in the North.